The Rogue (Hideaway Springs #3)

4. Tessa

4

P ang.

I jolt at the violent sound, the sharp pain in my lower back and suck in a jagged breath.

It’s fine. I’m fine. It’s just my internal alarm clock.

If I told you it gets easier waking up to the subconscious sound of a gunshot, I’d be lying. It always hits the same.

My eyes sting, but I shake it off.

Thankfully, I always wake up alone. Not for the obvious reason that no one will ever have to witness my permanent trauma. But when I wake up—no one is pointing a gun at my chest, threatening to finish the job.

But…it does take me a minute to remember where I am.

That’s right. I’m at Indie’s castle of a home. The one he graciously let me crash last night.

I pull the covers off and slide my jeans back on. The sun won’t be up for another three hours, but I don’t bother staring at the ceiling until it does .

With a yawn, I stretch and glance around. Certainly doesn’t give off those Indiana Jones vibes. It’s clean. Sure, a bit untidy, but no dead skeletons or muddy boots in sight.

But he does still wear that hat, so the nickname stays.

The man’s got sweet digs. It’s not a mansion by any means. But Levi does own the biggest residential property in Hideaway Springs.

I never understood why. It’s just him and his son here. It’s not like members of his staff live in the house. He’s got cabins and small villas built for a handful of cowboys along the ranch.

Not that I’ve ever gotten a tour, but Pepper—who befriended me last fall with zero judgment—pointed them out from her backyard since her cottage is on the opposite side of it.

Barefoot, I wander out of the den and into the main room.

Rugged yet charming are the words a realtor would use to hook buyers for this place. Other than its owner, this home is one hundred percent inviting . With wide-plank wooden floors, exposed beam ceilings, a large stone fireplace, and an oversized rustic chandelier overhead.

I scan the messy space with a peaceful smirk. Imagining the erratically arranged plush couch cushions used for pillow fights or fort building.

It may just be the two of them but it breathes love, comfort and security.

I move to the stained coffee table with scattered Lego pieces next to an unfinished pirate ship. I gather the magazines, piling them evenly on the edge and place the three remote controls over them like a paperweight.

Cracking my knuckles, I flip to a page in the Lego manual and get to work.

Two hours later, I'm mixing pancake batter with swift, practiced movements the way Bessie taught me. It’s almost therapeutic as my eyes peer through the large kitchen window to the open fields .

It's still somewhat dark out, but I see movement near one of the barns and some by the cabins. Levi’s men already at work.

Hell of a better view than Bessie’s trailer, where I’ve lived the last six weeks since leaving Hideaway Springs.

I wash and slice fresh strawberries, mixing some into the batter, then set some on the edge of the plate.

The man did say I could help myself to the kitchen, he didn’t say I couldn’t make enough breakfast to feed a farm.

Occupational hazard, I suppose.

The man also said he wanted me out before Jackson wakes…and as grateful as I am for a place to crash last night…I’m a little ticked off that this desperate man won’t even give me a shot.

So I’m doing the predictable thing and… going rogue.

Muffled voices and footsteps are above me and I pour a second helping of coffee into the Cowboys Do It Better mug I found. Grinning once again as I sip.

Heavy steps pound the stairs, and I stiffen, surprised to find myself a wee bit afraid.

What is with you? Get a grip, Tess.

“Buddy, hurry up, got a late start agai—” Levi stops short before he even rounds the corner to where I’m standing in the kitchen.

“What the…” Levi pulls his gaze from the living room and turns to the kitchen.

I hold up my mug with a grin. “Morning, grumpy.”

His eyes drop to the stacks of pancakes and fruit on the counter, then to the Cowboys Do It Better mug in my hand.

He points to it stiffly. “That’s not mine.”

I cock my head innocently. “Was in your cabinet.” I lean in like it’s a secret. “Right up front. ”

“I thought I made myself clear last night. And what happened to not making yourself too comfortable?”

I shrug.

He glances back at the living room. “Did you clean ?”

“Calm your horses. Yes, I touched your stuff. Can you wait until after I leave to set it on fire?”

“Why?” he practically grits.

“I was up early.”

“ How early?”

Little footsteps race down the stairs. “Tessaaaa,” Jackson cries as he rounds the corner, zooms into the kitchen and wraps his arms around my waist.

I nearly fall back at the embrace.

What is going on? The stupid question flies out of my mind as fast as it flew in.

He’s hugging you. It’s what people do when they don’t judge you.

“Uh—hey, kid. Morning. Want some coffee?”

“No,” Levi barks.

“I was kidding .” I really wasn’t, but the moment was awkward, and I just wanted to shimmy the little slugger off me.

Plus, I’m used to offering people coffee instead of a glass of milk or juice.

I grip his shoulders and twist him to the counter, where I have a special plate prepared for him.

“Sit. I’ll get you some milk.”

Levi scans his son’s plate with a scowl. “Where’d you find powdered sugar?”

“Far left cabinet behind the flour.”

“I don’t use flour.”

“That’s why you didn’t know you had powdered sugar. ”

“Did you check the expiration date?”

I give him a one-shouldered shrug with a wink. “It won’t kill him.”

He focuses on his son and exhales. Then flicks his gaze to me. “Can I talk to you in the other room for a sec?” he grits.

I set the mug down and follow him to the den.

He sweeps his eyes around the tidied-up room. The linens have been folded and set to the side. Tugging my arm, he twists me, his breath inches from mine. “I know what you’re doing and you might as well quit now. I’d be a fool to hire you.”

Ocean-blue eyes roam my face like he’s studying me rather than threatening.

“Yeah, 'cause I’m a danger to society,” I mock.

But he doesn’t laugh. Instead, his jaw tightens, and he pulls me close, his breath hits the tip of my nose. “I know you think your actions in this town are heroic, but they’re deceitful and illegal.”

I swallow.

“My father was kind to you, offered you a job when no one else would. And you stole from him, too.”

“I didn’t—”

“It cost him revenue. So it’s stealing.”

I release a shaky breath, and he lets me go, stepping back. Then runs a frustrated hand through his hair. But his frustration isn’t with me. It’s like he’s angry with himself.

“I appreciate the breakfast you made for Jackson, but I’d appreciate it more if you said goodbye and left.”

I nod, my voice raspier than usual when I mutter, “Thanks again.” Brushing past him, I make my way to the kitchen with a bright smile. “Hey, Wiggles.”

The kid turns to me with a milk mustache and powdered sugar on his chin.

I ruffle his hair. “Thanks for havin’ me. I’m going to head out.” I avoid saying I’ll see you soon .

“These were so yummy, Tessa. Did you have powdered sugar on yours too?”

I set my used coffee mug in the sink. “Nah, I don’t eat breakfast.”

Levi scowls, and I already know what he’s grumbling about internally. So I add, “ But it’s the most important meal of the day, so I’ll grab a donut or something at the gas station.”

Jackson frowns. “Dad says you can’t concentrate if you don’t have breakfast. But you finished my pirate ship Lego.”

Levi's head turns back to the living room.

“Only because you did the hard part.”

“How’d you find the missing pieces?”

“Under the couch cushions.” I wink as I circle the counter. “Well, this was fun. See ya around.”

“Will we?” Jackson asks, hopping off his stool. And Levi was right, this kid and his questions.

I’m about to answer when the kid adds, “Because when you left before, Dad said we’ll never have to see you again.”

Yep, that tracks.

With tightness in my chest, I flash him another wink. “You never know.”

Levi walks me to the door. His voice low and annoyed as he speaks, “You’ve been up for hours and haven’t found time to eat anything?”

I don’t bother answering the question that doesn’t concern him. “Thanks again for the bed.”

“It was a couch,” he grumbles.

I run my hand down his cotton-covered chest. “Doesn’t make you any less of a gentleman for letting me stay.”

He swallows hard, averting his gaze. “Goodbye, Tess. ”

A moment later, I’m in my car—mentally preparing myself for plan B, which isn’t very thought-out. It involves calling Frank to tell him plan A didn’t work out and that I’ll be at a hotel for a few days until my cash runs out. Then…he’d better have some good news on the men after me so I can go home.

And it sure as hell isn’t going to be Summer Hill.

I twist the key in the ignition, praying for the usual reassuring rumble. I sigh in relief when the engine cranks, filling the air with familiar whirring—but then it pauses.

A sinking feeling grips me as it falls silent.

No worries. We almost had it. Just…try it again .

I twist the key again with the same result.

Levi’s front door pulls open and Jackson runs out. Levi is behind him, holding a duffle bag.

The man squints at me through my windshield then focuses on something behind me.

Through my rearview mirror, I see a car pulling up, stopping inches from my bumper. Levi follows Jackson toward it, making small talk with the driver and thanking him as the kid hops in. I tune out the muffled voices behind me and try the engine a third time.

Come on, girl, work. Just this once. Just get me out of here.

I squeeze my eyes shut as it dies and hit my forehead against the steering wheel. I keep my head down even as I feel his presence at my open window.

“Trouble?”

My head feels heavy as I lift it. “I swear to you, I’m not doing this on purpose.”

“No, no. The author of your life just seems to hate us both. Pop the hood. ”

“Hood,” I repeat and blink down, pulling on a small latch. Before I do, I instantly know that’s not the right one.

“That’s the trunk, Tess.”

I don’t bother telling him I know cars probably as well as he does—because actions speak louder than words .

And I’m just all out of sorts this morning.

“Thanks,” Levi mutters into his cell phone before hanging up.

We’re standing outside his house in the driveway after he’s concluded that my car—which, I’ll be honest, I’m just as shocked as the next guy that it got me here—needs a new alternator.

And it’s going to cost…oh, roughly my plan B money, so there’s that.

“My buddy Beau has an auto shop not too far from here. He’ll tow ‘er over there today. Should have it ready for you in two days.”

“ Two days ?”

“Yep. You’re in luck, I’m going to save you an Uber ride this morning and drive you to the Inn myself.”

“I can’t go back there,” I snap.

He grins, but there’s no humor. “Oh, you’re going back. Because you’re not staying here.” He lifts my trunk and pulls out my suitcase, tossing it into the bed of his truck. “While you’re there, maybe you can apologize to my father for screwing him during a busy season. Get in.”

I open my mouth again to protest, but he cuts me off .

“The man prides himself on helping people, and you made him feel like a fool. So I’d make it good if I were you.” He pulls open the passenger door for me.

I inhale a sharp breath. “You’re right. I’ll apologize and... ask for a room for a night or two.”

“At full price,” he states.

“And not a penny less, got it.” Maybe Bessie will lend me some cash since my car just blew all of mine.

“Good.”

We drive out of the ranch in silence, and I roll down my window. A habit I don’t allow myself when I’m in Summer Hill. Or hell, anytime I’m in my car alone.

No one will be looking for me here. But just in case, I slide on my sunglasses.

Levi glances at me. “You didn’t have to do that, you know?”

“What?” I call over the wind against my face. “Tamper with my own vehicle just so I could stay close to you a little longer? Sorry, Indie, couldn’t help myself, you’re just so irresistible.”

“Very funny. Even you couldn’t pull something like that.” He squints at the road. “I meant cleaning and…breakfast and all.”

I shrug. “I was bored.”

Another quiet minute rolls by, but it’s not awkward. It’s not comfortable either. It’s just…us. Old rivals in the same space, waiting it out until we’re not.

“So why don’t you eat breakfast?” he asks dryly.

I roll up the window before answering. “I usually wake up nauseous.” It’s probably the most honest thing I’ve said all day.

“Sorry to hear that.”

I scoff.

“I’m serious,” he says casually. “It can’t be pleasant. ”

“It’s not.”

His eyes sweep over me. “You uh, alright now?”

“Jesus, I’m not going to hurl in your Jeep, Levi.”

“I was being a gentleman by asking, but you know what—now, I hope you do.”

“The way you drive? I’d be careful what you wish for.”

A hint of a smirk touches his lips before it disappears. “What are you doing back here, anyway?”

Like I'd tell you.

I shake my head with a laugh. “You don’t think I’m on to you?”

“What?”

“I know your angle. I get all distracted telling you where I’m from and why I’m here while you take a detour to the Hideaway P.D.”

He grins like he’s enjoying the fact that I’m at his mercy. “I’m not taking you to the station.”

“Why not? Cause I’ll cost them more money than I’m worth?”

He perks a brow, sparing me a glance. “Depends. What do you think you’re worth?” He sets the car in park, and I’m glad his question didn’t assume an answer. Shutting off the ignition, he stares at the storefront of my longest-running job in Hideaway Springs. “We’re here. Ready?”

I inhale and tighten my jaw. Not like I have a choice. “Yeah,” I mutter and hop out.

That familiar bell jingles as we step into the Inn. It’s quiet and empty—typical for a Monday morning.

Aiden is behind the bar, stopping short when he finds me at the door, then glances at his son behind me.

“Tessa!”

I swallow. “Hey, boss.”

His warm eyes harden, and he checks his watch. “You’re about two months late for work. ”

“Six weeks, actually, and—I know.” I wince.

His eyes shift to Levi. “Did you two happen to walk in here at the same time?”

The jerk behind me leans against the doorframe. “Tess ran into some bad luck. First, she got shot down hard for the only job opening in Hideaway Springs, then her car broke down.”

Aiden glares at him, and I assume it’s for more information.

Levi pushes his spine off the wooden beam and strolls in. “I brought her here because she owes you an explanation. An apology, and while we’re at it, maybe a repayment plan.”

My heart thumps hard against my chest. It’s been a while since I’ve been this worked up. Not because of the debt I undoubtedly owe this man, but the betrayal. He was good to me, fair even. Treated me more like a partner than a temporary bartender.

And I cheated him and his business.

I swallow the hard lump in my throat. Leaving Levi behind me, I move toward the older man I’d grown too fond of over my time here. “I am so sorry for what I did. It was—”

“My fault for trusting you?”

My shoulders sag as a rocky exhale rips from my chest. “No…I just didn’t have many options.” My voice is abnormally small. I swallow to get it back.

Aiden’s hands are on his waist. “Well, I probably had it coming. I mean, that’s who I hired, wasn’t it? The town rogue? Always causing trouble, then running off?”

I open my mouth but he cuts me off. And it’s just as well, I have nothing good to say.

“Why are you even here? Let me guess—car broke down and you need a place to stay?”

I flinch at his tone .

“Dad.” The deep rumble comes from behind me, sounding like a question mixed with warning.

Aiden turns to his oldest son with a scowl like I’d never seen. “Stay out of it.”

Levi moves forward, stopping a foot in front of me. “Maybe take it down a notch?” he says quietly, and I can’t tell if it’s suggesting… or threatening.

Aiden scans the room briefly. “I’m sorry, am I being disruptive? There’s no one else here.” He takes a breath and slaps a smile on his face. “Thanks for bringing her by…I’ll take it from here.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” Levi howls.

“Stop,” I shout, then step between the two men.

Aiden’s expression softens when he turns back to me, but only slightly.

“When I came back to Hideaway Springs last fall, my living arrangements…didn’t work out. I thought I could stay here a few nights until I found a place, but…” I shrug and wince. “Got too comfortable.”

Aiden shakes his head. “That’s on me for hiring you on the spot without references or proof of residence.”

What is going on? Why is the kindest man I know acting like…well, like his oldest, grumpiest son? He seemed so sympathetic to my situation when he found out.

“You know what, I’ve heard enough. I’m calling the police.” Aiden turns and lifts the receiver off the wall.

My eyes stretch, but I don’t protest. I’m frozen in place. Hell, I won’t even try to run.

Maybe Frank will find this funny when he bails me out?

“Put it down,” Levi roars behind me, moving toward the bar.

Aiden hangs up reluctantly with a sigh. I catch a quick wink in my direction before he faces his son with disappointment .

“This was a mistake,” Levi mumbles.

Aiden shakes his head at me. “You’re not staying here.”

“Damn right she’s not,” Levi confirms through gritted teeth.

There’s a hint of a smirk on my old boss’s face as he watches Levi storm out from behind the bar and toward me. Grabbing my hand like I’m his property, Levi hauls me toward the exit.

And this…might just be why I love this town.